Every year, one of my talented illustrators puts their brush (pen / pencil / stylus / ETC) to creating a special bookish Valentine. This year's Valentine was created by the wonderful Cindy Derby. Thanks, Cindy! And thanks and happy v-day to all my friends, colleagues, readers, writers, and artists who make the world go round. I know that this is a tough time for many of you -- STAY STRONG! The books and art you help bring into the world are more important now than ever.

Last night I offered to give away a membership to SCBWI, to be awarded to an unpublished kids/YA writer from a marginalized community who couldn't make the fee. This offer somehow morphed into something bigger, and I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks to all my little Cupids, I have 14 MEMBERSHIPS to give away!

If you believe you fit the criteria -- that is to say, you are unpublished, you write for Kids/YA, you are from an under-represented group, and you think you would benefit from an SCBWI membership -- send me an email in the next few hours, and I'll draw names this afternoon. This is a casual thing -- there is no TEST or anything, I'll take your word for it that you qualify -- but of course, if you don't, or don't think you will actually benefit from the membership, please don't take somebody else's slot. You can find out more about the SCBWI and what they do at www.scbwi.org

When you email me, I'd appreciate a brief introduction of yourself and what kind of books you write - and if you want to mention how you think you might use the membership, that would be great too, but no need to get too deep about it. Also, please be sure to give me your NAME, twitter handle if you have one, and contact info, so I can actually give you the membership if you win!

** UPDATE: ALL 14 MEMBERSHIPS WERE GIVEN AWAY. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED, AND THANKS TO MY CUPID HELPERS FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE! STAY TUNED, THIS MAY BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT!**

GEORGE is Alex Gino's debut middle grade novel. People are saying that it's "this year's WONDER" - and if they mean "a middle grade book that will be meaningful to a wide variety of readers" - well, I have to agree!

GEORGE is about a girl whom the world sees as a boy. When her class puts on a play of CHARLOTTE'S WEB, George really really really  wants to play Charlotte. But nobody will let her audition because they think she is a boy. So she and her best friend figure out an audacious plan to let her come into her own, and step into the spotlight.

GEORGE is not a "transgender book" -- it's a book for EVERYONE. Everyone who has ever felt like they had to hide part of themselves, who has ever been bullied or been a bully, who has ever felt "weird" or alone... or, you know, everyone who is human. If you have empathy: You'll love GEORGE!  (And if you DON'T have empathy: you need GEORGE.)

I do not say this lightly: This is a book that can change hearts and will save lives.

Some of the praise for GEORGE so far:
PW Starred Review: "Profound, moving, and—as Charlotte would say—radiant"
Kirkus Starred Review: "[D]eeply moving in its simplicity and joy"
SLJ Starred Review: "A required purchase for any collection that serves a middle grade population."
Booklist Starred Review: "[A] sensitive, insightful portrayal of a transgender child coming to terms with gender identity. George is an appealing, thoroughly believable character."
IndieNext Pick: "This is not just a story about a transgender child, but also a story for any child, teen, or adult who has ever felt uncomfortable in their own skin or out of place in this world. I'm sure anyone who has read and been moved by George would agree: Reading this breathtaking debut should be a requirement for living."

So. Do I think you should buy this book? HECK YES I DO. Buy two. Buy a classroom set. Buy it as a gift. Read it with your book club - kids OR adult. BUY IT so that the publisher will know that there is a MARKET for diverse books, including those by trans authors and with trans characters. Seriously, we can talk about "wanting Diverse Books" all day long - but the proof is in the pudding. If the books don't sell well, publishers are less likely to take a chance on more. SO BUY IT! Can't buy it? Request it from your LIBRARY! Yayyyy libraries! Libraries are the best. However you do it: Thanks for reading! I hope this book touches you as deeply as it has me.

GOG*GIVEAWAY INFO deleted 8/26*